INDIA'S TOP10 HOMES 2019

BUILDING CONVERSATIONS

- Tina Thakrar

DESERT APPEAL

by Abraham John Architects

The imposing facade of this home in Jodhpur is almost reminiscent of the many palaces, forts and temples set in the stark landscape of the Thar Desert. The inside, with its little gardens, decks, waterbodies, sculpture court, sky lit balconies and terrace gardens, is even more so. The house uses architecture to combat the challenges of designing a home in a desert land.

The restricted plot in a society scheme, encumbered with existing adjoining buildings along its compound walls on two sides, has two roads along its north and east sides. In a city where temperatures routinely exceed 40 degree Celsius, the iligree screen is both functional (protects from the sun and o ers some privacy) and aesthetic, a reminder of the traditional jaalis of the region. The screen gives the villa its character, as it combines the past (jaalis) with modern, clean lines.

From the loating steps at the entrance to the open dining and living area and the landscape surrounding it, the home has an inviting appeal that takes on di erent auras during the day and night. Local Jodhpur stone was used on the entry steps, water bodies and compound walls. The outdoor paint inish matches the colour of Jodhpur stone and is used on some of the indoor surfaces as well, to add to the overall outdoor feel.